VS
At a Glance
Power
273 kW
260 kW
Torque
460+e Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
10.4 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
6.0 (opt 5.7) s
Engine
2393 cc
2995 cc
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Lexus RX delivers 273 kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 260 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.5 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 10.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 815 900 for the RX and R2 149 000 for the Cayenne. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Lexus RX500h F-Sport 2024 - From R1 815 900
Porsche Cayenne(e3 II) 2026 - From R2 149 000
Performance
Power Output
273 kW
260 kW
Torque
460+e Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
6.2 s
6.0 (opt 5.7) s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
248 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2393 cc
2995 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
10.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
238 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4930 mm
Width
1920 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1695 mm
1698 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
183 mm
212 (193-238 with opt air suspension) mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2055 DIN / 2130 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
698-772-1708 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
780 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
8 (opt 10)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus RX
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
More powerful engine (273 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 815 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Porsche Cayenne
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (10.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (260 kW vs 273 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or Cayenne?
The RX uses 6.5 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 10.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RX or Cayenne?
The RX produces 273 kW and 460+e Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The RX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RX and Cayenne?
The RX starts from R1 815 900 and the Cayenne from R2 149 000. The RX is cheaper by R333 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RX or Cayenne?
The RX has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RX or the Cayenne?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.